Real Madrid signs Espanyol 'keeper Kiko Casilla

Castilla product Casilla replaces Casillas at Real Madrid.

Hoping to fill the void left by club legend Iker Casillas' departure to Porto, Real Madrid have agreed to a deal with Espanyol shot stopper Kiko Casilla. The 28-year old Catalan has joined Madrid on a 5-year deal for €6 million, eight years after Casilla left Real Madrid's Castilla academy to join Espanyol.

Espanyol president Joan Collet confirmed the transfer, saying "We have reached an agreement with Real Madrid of €6m for Kiko Casilla."

Casilla joins Madrid poised to become manager Rafa Benitez's first choice, while the other senior keeper, Costa Rican Keylor Navas, recovers from a partially ruptured left Achilles that forced him to miss this summer's CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Despite rumors Madrid have long held a strong interest in Manchester United keeper David De Gea, manager Benitez doesn't seem terribly concerned who is in net once the La Liga season starts at the end of August.

"Whoever goes in between the posts knows what his job is. I've spoken to Keylor and, right now, he knows he is the keeper that is ahead of the rest in terms of quality and experience," Benitez said.

"I'm not worried about the goal. I know its measurements are 7.32 by 2.44 meters and that doesn't change."

Rarely apprehensive of splashing the cash, Madrid may not be done shopping just yet. La Liga's transfer window closes August 31.